Need some help picking my first MC Cartridge
I have recently purchased an Icon PS1 Mk II tube Phono Preamp. and was thinking of purchasing a seperate MC cartridge and head to interchange with my Nagoaka MP 300 MM cartridge, which I am very happy with. This is my first MC Cartridge so this is more of a chance to compare MC versus MM Cartridges. Some suggestions have been Denon 103 or the Hana Red, The Icon Preamp has a fixed MC load setting of 100 ohms. The Sansui SR 525 Direct Drive Turntable that I will be using has an interchangeable cartridge head, so VTA height, tracking weight, anti-skating adjustments may be required for each cartridge but should not take more than 20 minutes to adjust. I have read that some low output cartridges may be preferable to high output, but I am not sure how this matches up with the Icon Preamp. I am a little in the weeds here with the technical information when it comes to cartridges so be gentle.
My listening preference is more to the musical / warm vinyl side. Gear: Tube preamp, Class "A" amp , alternating with a tube Integrated, Wilson Benesch Square 2 Speakers, Rel Subs (x2). I split my listening about 50/50 Vinyl/Digital.
My Budget is up to $1500.00
@pooch2 congratulations on your 2 sonic uptick carts. Pretty cool that you both moved up to the top of the product line AND picked a Hana product whose numerous reviews report sonic performance that punches significantly above their price points. Great choices Please report back on your findings, a 500 vs Hana comparison would be interesting. |
Hi, I just upgraded from a Grado Platinum MM to a Dynavector 20x2 low output moving coil. It's fantastic! So much more alive than the MM cart. Finally feel like I'm beginning to understand what all the fuss is about analogue. Up till now, I've been pretty underwhelmed by my results - my digital system (Denafrips Venus II) always sounded way better. Now they're in good competition with each other :) |
